Family of British hostage Alan Henning plead with Islamic State for his release

THE FAMILY of a British man being held hostage by the so-called Islamic State has pleaded with his captors for his release.

Alan Henning was volunteering as an aid worker in Syria when he was taken captive by IS[PA]

Alan Henning, a former taxi driver from Manchester, has been held by IS militants since he was kidnapped in December last year.

The 47-year-old was volunteering as an aid worker to take supplies to the war-torn country when he was captured.

His wife Barbara said that she had sent messages to the terrorist group but so far received no reply.

IS threatened to kill Mr Henning in a video released last Saturday, which showed the murder of another British man, David Haines.

The full statement from Mr Henning's family read: "I am Barbara Henning the wife of Alan Henning.

"Alan was taken prisoner last December and is being held by the Islamic State.

"Alan is a peaceful, selfless man who left his family and his job as a taxi driver in the UK to drive in a convoy all the way to Syria with his Muslim colleagues and friends to help those most in need.

"When he was taken he was driving an ambulance full of food and water to be handed out to anyone in need.

Alan is a peaceful, selfless man who left his family and his job as a taxi driver in the UK to drive in a convoy all the way to Syria

A statement from the Henning family

"His purpose for being there was no more and no less. This was an act of sheer compassion.

"I cannot see how it could assist any State's cause to allow the world to see a man like Alan dying.

"I have been trying to communicate with the Islamic State and the people holding Alan. I have sent some really important messages but they have not been responded to.

"I pray that the people holding Alan respond to my messages and contact me before it is too late.

"When they hear this message I implore the people of the Islamic State to see it in their hearts to release my husband Alan Henning."

The extremist group has also previously released videos of the beheading of American journalists James Foley and Steven Sotloff.

Another clip released by IS this week showed British photojournalist John Cantlie sitting at a desk reading from a prepared script and explaining that he would speak about IS in future videos, although no threat to kill him was made on camera.

James Foley was murdered by the militant group [PA]

Several high-profile Muslims have joined in calls for Mr Henning's release.

Renowned Jihadi ideologue Muhammed al-Maqdisi and the family of jailed Pakistani scientist Dr Aafia Siddiqui, nicknamed "Lady al Qaida", whose release has been demanded by IS extremists, have also called for Mr Henning to be freed.

Two British imams have also pleaded for the aid worker's safety.

Haitham al-Haddad, from the Islamic Sharia Council, said that the murder of Mr Henning would be "totally haram [forbidden], impermissible, prohibited according to sharia for a number of reasons".

Shakeel Begg, imam at Lewisham Islamic Centre in south London, said he wanted to make it clear he stood "with Alan Henning" and added: "I urge you to understand the nature of this prisoner you are holding - a man of peace."

These statements came after more than 100 British imams signed a statement expressing their “horror and revulsion” at the “senseless murder” of the previous three hostages.